An Iranian naval ship, the IRIS Makran 441 (left), sails past the Chinese supply ship Taihu (hull number 889) in Simonstown, Cape Town on January 8, 2026 (Photo: Rodger Bosch/AFP)
The DA demands that Angie Motshekga, the minister of defense and military veterans, submit herself to a presidential investigation after it came to light that a direct order from Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa is believed not to have been carried out by the South African National Army (SANW).
This follows after it was confirmed that Ramaphosa instructed that Iranian naval ships must be withdrawn from a military exercise in South African waters.
According to a written response by Ronald Lamola, minister of international relations and cooperation, the withdrawal of the Iranian ships was a direct instruction of the president after discussions with the ministers of defense and international relations and cooperation. An investigation is currently underway to determine why this instruction was not carried out.
Chris Hattingh, the DA’s spokesperson on defense and military veterans, says this development raises serious questions about the command structure of the SANW.
“This exposes a deeply disturbing reality: a direct order from the Commander-in-Chief of the South African National Defense Force has apparently not been carried out.”
According to him, Motshekga was consulted before the president issued the directive. He says, however, that she repeatedly refused in parliament to confirm whether Ramaphosa had indeed ordered the withdrawal of the Iranian ships.
The DA believes the timeline of events causes further concern.
Motshekga had earlier announced that she had established a board of inquiry within the Department of Defense which would report within seven days. However, the investigation was later moved to the presidency.
Hattingh says this indicates that the president did not have confidence in the minister’s handling of the matter.
“South Africans deserve clarity on how such a serious breach of the chain of command within the SANS could have occurred. The credibility of South Africa’s defense institutions depends on accountability and transparency. Until these questions are fully answered, confidence in the leadership of the Department of Defense will remain seriously undermined.”
The DA is now insisting that Motshekga submit herself to the presidential inquiry to explain her role in the case.